Mike + The Mechanics- The Living Years (REACTION//DISCUSSION)
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- Опубліковано 19 вер 2024
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Most people react emotionally to this song. I'm very cynical when it comes to tear jerkers but this song does it with such gentle class that it swerves past the cheese and cringe and delivers a genuine heartfelt message.
This one always gets me. All parents gone, all grandparents gone, most aunts and uncles. All the things left unsaid, all the plans left undone......the children’s choir in the early chorus and then the combined chorus towards the end. Watch the video for even deeper emotions. Very nice reaction JP.
Yes the video gives extra weight to the song without being over-cheesy at all.
My dad passed 27 years ago. But he never died. Love to you for this.
My father died in a plane crash two years after this song was released. Listening to this still kind of gets to me even now. Paul Carrack also did a fine job singing "Tempted" when he was with Squeeze.
Paul Carrack's vocals and improvised lines are spectacular on this track, in my opinion. Perfect amount of emotion and exquisite story telling.
When I hear this song I always end up with tears in my eyes
We did see your emotions! It’s a beautiful moment and a lovely song. Thanks for the words. Great analysis.✌️
My dad just passed away this year. This song hits home. Very emotional song.
Thank you for this reaction!
I’m so sorry. 😪
They had the juxtaposition with first the Children's Choir, followed by the Seniors Choir, for the next Chorus , then both together. Check out the Video, adds to the emotional take.
It’s almost become cliche to say this about this song, but the emotional weight of it is almost too much for me at present. So powerful. - I lost my father in March of this year and I’m still pretty raw about the whole thing.
Thank god I never had the kind of relationship cited in this song. We were always open and willing to talk, but I guess where this track is relatable to me is that maybe we don’t always appreciate the present, and take it for granted. Never let it go unsaid how much you appreciate someone.
So sorry to hear that.
Really sorry to hear that Paul.
It is always traumatic losing a loved one. Even when you know it will or must happen, finality of it is hard to get over. Another amazing song that was made even more powerful by the Army Band's arrangement and professional delivery is Neil Peart's lyric in the Rush tune 'Time Stand Still'. What a perfect tribute to him.
ua-cam.com/video/aAPSK_cV5n0/v-deo.html
@@rk41gator Check out too the uplifting, deeply poignant 'Some Fantastic Place' by Squeeze featuring Paul Carrack on keyboards and backing vocals.
I’m so sorry, Paul. Losing our parents or anyone we love is very traumatic and it takes a long time to process. The acute pain subsides, but it’s always just beneath the surface. My parents have both been gone for 43 years. While missing them is not on my mind all the time like it was the first year, the emotion can still be overwhelming at times. It’s crazy but that’s just the way it is. Love never dies. xx
If you need a singer get Paul Carrack, job done. There's a great double album collecting most of his best stuff Solo/Ace/Squeeze/Mike+ and others. He is a very special talent and deserves more people knowing his name. Moving reaction to the song.
If Genesis has tapped Paul Carrack rather than Ray Wilson as their new lead singer in the late 90s, they'd still be releasing albums.
@@adammckee3496 "They'd still be releasing albums"......and, I'd still be on board. Wilson impressed me not a bit. Even if the songs had suffered, listening to Carrack sing them would have been entertaining.
Carrack's career reminds me of Tony Burrows', another astoundingly unknown talent. Gifted singer, bouncing from studio entity to studio entity, never needing to tour, but steadily working (and having hit after hit), so able to go shopping without being hounded....likely similar to Carrack!
Rather than list Burrows' hits here, wasting the time of those "hip" to him, Justin's viewers may want to do a deep dive into Burrows' accomplishments! You too, Justin!😉👍🎶
Phil Collins once said he could listen to Paul Carrack sing the phone book and it would be amazing.
I'll give that a whirl, thanks for the recommendation!😂🇬🇧
Great song, always brings a tear to my eye, my relationship with my dad was at times difficult but as I grew up and he mellowed we were in a good place when he passed away!😢🇬🇧🇬🇧
“You can listen as well as you hear.” Such a great line.
This song gets me every time. I got some closure with my mom before she passed, but not so much with dad, who left us rather suddenly, even though he was ill for some time.
I constantly torture myself with tears by always listening to this song. It's so beautiful, but mostly it's real. Enjoyed your reaction, thanks.
You can add my name to those with tears in their eyes right now. I'm 52, I lost both my parents a long time ago to cancer, and this song always gets me, especially now that I have small children that never knew their grandparents. I have the same reaction watching Fields of Dreams at the end :)
Love the voice of Paul Carrack; it speaks to me in emotions.
The moment the music starts, it hits me and brings back all the memories when I lost my father 23 years ago 😢
Oh no! Since I’ve got older I just cant listen to this without tearing up (especially if I’m watching the official video as well). It’s a beautiful song with an important message we all need to hear.
I missed my dads passing 5 years ago. It was so stupid. I was up that Monday morning, ready to do the 800 miles to go and see him as I knew the end was near. I was just going to the car when my sister called to say he passed during the night. It was a sad morning. But I could talk to him a few weeks earlier, fortunately. And, you are not alone, Justin, to get more emotional with the years.
One of my favorite 80s songs! Paul Carrack is a beast of a singer. Just adds so much soul to every band he's been with. I love how he never really sings the melody in the chorus...the kids do and he just riffs around it.. He's just so good at that.
Oh man, this song hits hard no matter how many times I've heard it. Beautiful reaction, Justin.
Paul Carrack is a brilliant soulful vocalist and keyboard player. Check out the hit 'How Long' he had with his band Ace in the seventies or the Squeeze songs that he guested on, 'Tempted' and 'Loving You Tonight'.
Totally agree, Jeremy, but some of his best songs are on his solo albums. Check out Satisfy my Soul (co-written with Chris Difford), Eyes of Blue, Don't Shed a Tear and his cover of When You Walk In The Room.
@@gaiaeternal5131 I've not heard any of his solo stuff! I must put that right, thanks. I guess, unfairly, he's most famous for singing on band projects and as a guest vocalist, but he's had a long and illustrious career overall.
@@jeremyb5640 Yes, but I don't think he's got the credit he's deserved. As I put in my post, I saw him live just a couple of years ago. Great show, excellent band with him (it was at Shanklin Theatre on the beautiful Isle of Wight in the UK). Pretty mean keyboard player too, and he's played in Eric Clapton's band.
Always loved Paul's first solo album, "Suburban Voodoo", produced by Nick Lowe and featuring his great band.
@@brumleyhall @gaia eternal Sounds like I've got some catching up to do! And it looks as if he continued to collaborate with some great people outside of his band work, like Nick Lowe, Elvis Costello, Chris Difford, etc.
“The Living Years” is one of those songs that I’ve always thought I should dismiss as emotional pretentiousness, but it gets me every time, without fault, making me fight to hold back the sobbing.
My father died from Covid last year. Of course, we weren't allowed to see him at the end, so many things remained unsaid. There are many songs I listened to in the aftermath including Of Missing Persons by Jackson Browne, and this one.
I loved this for years before though. Paul has a great voice.
Mike's first solo album. Smallcreeps Day is a favorite of mine. A concept album that would fit perfect on your long play weekends.
For me Smallcreep's Day is simply Mike Rutherford's best album just like A Curious Feeling is Tony Banks' best album ! (I didn't like it at all when they sang on their respective second solo albums Acting Very Strange and The Fugitive then I lost all interest in the rest of their discographies).
Justin should try listening to A Curious Feeling by Tony Banks and Smallcreep's Day by Mike Rutherford ! I think these two could please him .....
One day when she was home alone for the entire day, my sister played my copy of "Smallcreeps Day" along with a couple of other prog albums from my LP collection.
When I got home that evening, she told me she really enjoyed listening to the album "Mean Little Creep" (😄)
Paul Carrack is a totally underrated singer, Try "How Long " by Ace...or "Tempted" by Squeeze, or his other Mike & song "Silent Running"
The Smallcreep’s Day Suite by Mike Rutherford would be a good Saturday morning listen. It’s not on Spotify, though.
I love Smallcreep!
One of my favourite albums and probably the most Genesis like records on a solo project.
Yes! Justin, can you please do Smallcreep`s Day?
Don't forget Compression, the b-side featuring Ant Phillips.
@@MyNameIsBucket every song on Smallcreep's Day has Ant on keyboards :)
This hits like crazy. I cry every time I hear this.
Justin, I could see the song get to you emotionally, and that is the songs strength. This was a big hit for Mike and the Mechanics. It reached no 1 in the USA, and number 2 in the UK single charts. A number of ‘Prog’ Genesis fans tend to point the finger at Phil Collins for Genesis more singles oriented output in the 80’s and 90’s, but if you listen to Mike’s Solo work with Mike and the Mechanics then you will appreciate it was just as much Mike pulling in that direction as well. The song was written by Rutherford and Robertson after both of their fathers had recently died, but the lyrics were written by Robertson, and centered on the unresolved issues between him and his father.
This song reminds me of my mom, I never got to say I loved her, we parted on bad terms and the guilt remains...
I recommend Silent Running from their debut album.
One of my all time favorites. It's my life being expressed in a song and it always turns me into a pool of tears, just a pool of tears 😢.
There are several notable live versions on UA-cam that are worth searching out...
Thank you Justin for getting me in the feels today. Typing through the tears...
Would like to see you go through the vinyls with Dad... please consider further. Thanks
YES!!! 100 Percent! Please DO follow through on this idea, Justin! I think it would be fun and fascinating, on so many levels!!!!!
I´m touched the way this lyrics have been touched you. Really deep meaning, and you couldn´t hide your emotions. Good for you!
What a wonderful, heartfelt reaction Justin. Very well put, balanced comments as always. Great.
All time classic with incredibly true, powerful and emotional lyrics. The song will always be true and is as timeless as it gets. Magnificent piece of music.
Still gives me goose bumps and makes me tear up every time I hear it. Every. Time. My dad dropped me off at school in 6th grade and was gone before I got home that day. So yes, call your loved ones.
Paul Carrack also sings on Déjà Vu on Steve Hackett's Genesis Revisited Album. The previously unreleased song "Déjà Vu" was started by Peter Gabriel in 1973 during the Selling England by the Pound sessions but not finished and Hackett completed the song for this album. It is definitely worth a listen, (search Steve Hackett & Paul Carrack | Déjà Vu).
Deja Vu is one of my favorite solo Hackett songs. That was right at the point of Hackett’s creative reawakening.
Good call, Arthur. Love that version of Deja Vu, but then I am a big Paul Carrack fan.
Smallcreeps day has Simon Phillips on drums. Tony Banks' A Curious Feeling has Chester Thomson on drums.Highly recommended.
This song always gets me after my Dad passed away in September 2012 two days after father's day at the young age of 62.
We didn't always see eye to eye, I miss him so much
My father was a huge influence on my love of music. I wish I had a video of us enjoying each others music together. I lost him almost 6 years ago. But, many of my greatest memories with him are related to music. I think that your idea of going through you father's music collection (with him) will be a life long heart etching memory for you both. I wish I could do that one more time.
You start Mike & Mechanics with a strong one! It's obviously some of Mike's favourites . You could try "Silent running" or "All I need is a miracle" or "Word of mouth" next. Then the album "A beggar on a beach of gold" which is their best with Paul Carrack & Paul Young IMHO
I had many differences with my Dad, it wasn't until my 30s that i resolved them,sadly at 49 i lost him.i wish he was still here, i have so much more i want to say.
This song made me resolve those issues and difficult times we had when i was a child way back when this was released.
Do it today, go see him, son or daughter go to him and sort it, then enjoy your time you both have left together.
RIP DAD (John)
Thanks BA Robertson (check the writers version) it was his experience in the lyrics he wrote. just copy and paste this (ba robertson living years above ) and also you will hear the name of the young babys real name from the song, and there is a surprize at the end of video(i wont tell you,it will spoil it), you think this version makes you cry watch this one the way it was meant to be.
Justin, you really should watch the official video of this song, the images they use are very powerful. Seems that there is a debate among reactors as to which version of a song they should use (studio, live or some type of video) and in this case the video adds so much but it will get you even more emotional.
I lost my dad 30 years ago and I miss him every day. Thank you for this.
Dude, I'm so in lockstep with your observations, I think if I knew you personally we would be fast friends, even though I'm like twice your age. You're doing so well with this endeavor-mad props.
45 years later and I can't listen this song without bawling.
Reportedly Mike Rutherford was on tour with Genesis when his father passed away. Hence the song.
Join the crowd my friend, you are not alone...if you didn't tear up to this, you have no soul. Love how the music was the background to the message. Such a beautiful song that will tear up listeners to the end of time.
The lyrics are very meaningful, I agree. I haven't heard much from Mike + The Mechanics except this and 'All I Need Is A Miracle.' However, I have heard Mike's two solo albums, and I especially like that he sang his own songs on his 'Acting Very Strange' album and 'Smallcreep's Day' has some cool stuff going on. I liked your insights👍
I too was not ready for this one.
I lost my mother about 3 weeks ago.
I live in Australia and she in the UK.
Because of the dreaded Covid, It was not an option for me to go there.
She was in a lot of pain and not able to speak.
She died with my sister by her side.
I couldn't even FaceTime her. (She was a bit rubbish with tech anyway)
She was and will. always be a wonderful woman.
I never got the chance to tell her that.
Now hearing this song, I'm tearing up a bit.
Mike and the boys really hit the nail on the head here.
Love to alll the Mum's and Dad's out there who deserve it. ❤️
So sorry to hear this
A very emotional song. Some of my other favorites are Asking (For The Last Time), Falling, and If Only.
I would love to see you and your dad together going through his vinyl! Very cool idea
This song always touches me.
It’s worth watching the official video too. Such an emotional song. I have seen celebrities breakdown and cry on national tv when they first heard it. Dysfunctional family relationships is pretty much in every household, and I’m so glad I’m closer to my father now than I have ever been. But it’s been a long and difficult road to break through those personal obstacles to get to that point. Somehow you need to let go of the pain, and find new common ground to walk on.
its simply magically written
thanks, Just - this song always makes me cry a bit... even though I am fortunate to have a great relationship with my family.. I was happy to bring this song up and play for a mother & sister who had been a bit estranged from the brother/son.. and a couple of weeks later, so pleased to learn that they had re-connected...
What I get from this song is that you don't need to agree with someone to love them. It also strikes me that one day it will be my children listening to this song about me; let them know...it works both ways.
One of the greatest songs of all time. Mike Rutherford's and B.A. Robertson who co wrote the song both lost dad's around the same time. Paul Carrack lost his dad in a mining accident when he was a young boy.
We all love music which is what brought us all,together. But I think we are also here because at the root of it all you are a damn decent guy, someone we would honoured to have as a friend.
You know Justin, I really LIKE you. You are a good man.
I agree! So are you, Joel!
Did nobody warn you? Always gets me.
Gotta show the video !
And hey Paul ! (right below me) ;-)
I think the gift in this is that the words are simple and uncomplicated, and so the message within can connect with so many different people of different ages and backgrounds. Pretty much everyone who has lost - or ever thought about - losing their parent gets the emotions, whether the relationship was strained, or even if it was good.
The emotion is real, and universal, and still personal.
I just copy paste this story for you guys:
Rutherford also recalls the moment he learned of his father’s death as Genesis was just starting the U.S. leg of the Invisible Touch tour. He found out through a phone call at his hotel room in Chicago from his wife Angie in the wee hours of the morning. Two weeks later, he attended his father’s funeral in England and then flew back to America via the Concorde to rejoin the tour. As he later described, his biggest regret was being able to tell his dad how much he loved him while he was still alive.
Justin, we get it how this song hits.
Honestly, if this song doesn't make a person at least fight to hold back a tear or two, then I mourn for the loss of their humanity.
❤Best Retro Music❤
😊nostalgic at it's best😊
I like your reaction 😊😊😊😊
Thanks for such a thoughtful reaction.
Great song and it resonates with anyone who has lost someone close
a truly beautiful deep song. i love it!!
I recommend “The Waters of Lethe” by Tony Banks if you were to do a track from his solo career
Hi Justin. Mikes father was ex military and a staunch gentleman. It was said he did not agree with Mikes career choice. As for your comments I totally agree. Talk with your parents and grandparents. Also get into conversations with senior citizens. The stories they can tell in there life's journey is amazing.
I stumbled across you this morning and was very impressed with your analysis of the songs. So many reactors say "yeah, I really liked that song. See you next time," instead of talking about the way the artist constructed the song, the use of the instruments, the personnel on the album, and so forth, the way you do. Congrats on a professional presentation. If I may suggest a song for your review, please consider listening to Beth Hart and Joe Bonamassa doing the Edda James classic, "I'd Rather Go Blind." Please make sure to get the Live From Amsterdam version. I think you will be impressed. Keep up the excellent work.
Great comments. I love the music too Rick. Great song.
This is a song that once you hear it, you will never forget it. The video for this is good also. The singer Paul Carrack was considered as a replacement for Phil Collins in Genesis when he left the band in the early '90s, they ultimately went with s Scottish singer Ray Wilson for their Calling All Stations album, he does concerts in Europe where he plays his own music, Genesis music, and music with the band Stiltskin.
This song always gets to me. So powerful. This is obviously a lyrics-vocals song but the music is fine. I had a somewhat similar relationship with my dad but it's been much better since he retired 30-plus years ago. There are still things I should say to him. My mom died suddenly less than two weeks ago but thankfully we had a great relationship my entire life and had many great talks telling each other how much we loved AND liked each other, so I'm grateful for that.
Mike can certainly do emotional songs - The end of Smallcreep's Day is one of the deepest love songs I've ever heard.
Love spoken is love heard!
I wish I could call my parents. My mom passed away in 1972 and my dad in 1984. I don't mind admitting that every time I hear this song, I cry...hard.
Some have commented that Paul Carrack’s sang lead vocals for the song Tempted by the group Squeeze. Going farther back he was with the group Ace and sang lead on their song How Long Has This Been going on? The bass work is great on that song. Check out Carrack performing Pink Floyd ‘s song “Hey You” on the 1990 The Wall-Live in Berlin concert video.
I remember the video of being done very well also
I love this song 😊
I wasn't ready for you not being ready. I chuckled a bit seeing your initial "whoa hang on" at the end of the first verse, but I have to admit my eyes were getting pretty wet near the end seeing how this song was impacting you (and then again during your lyrical discussion when you couldn't finish). Thanks for being willing to be vulnerable. Your content continues to be the best of its kind I've seen.
Really glad you enjoyed this powerful masterpiece!
And glad to see you reviewing some other solo Genesis members stuff. I’d like to recommend Tony Banks’ “A Curious Feeling”. What an excellent album! Thanks JP!
I missed my father's passing as well. Not because I didn't make it in time, but because my parents were divorced and he was estranged from the family.
The reason for this was his alcoholism. He went from being a well-respected university maths teacher to an alcoholic bum.
And one winter's night, in a wild craze, he blew out the windows in his house with a shotgun, collapsed on the floor and froze to death.
Yeah...
I lost both my folks now and let me tell you, I still can't get through this song. There were 2 separate choirs, one children's choir and one older/elderly adult to create the understanding of child/parent/grandparent generations.
Thank you for sharing that Patti, its a very touching song
This was a pure tear-jerker. Still is. Mike hit the heart. My Mother died very angry especially with me. I don't know why. I was closest to her. This song destroys me.
Ha! That one got you! get's us all, no problem,
Music of my childhood, my parents loved Mike and the Mechanics.
JP; all I can say is join the club. There is no way you were going to make it through this song without at least a lump in your throat. In the future you will hear this song somewhere and it will hit you the exact same way, it never fails. Honestly sometimes I have to turn it off because the sentiment hits home so strongly. I just want to add something that I know your emotions clouded (understandably) and that's the music. The structure of the song, the simplicity of the melody that lets the lyrics take center stage and then Paul Carrak's vocals all work together to evoke that emotion. I also agree with the other comments that the video is really a must. Watch it with your wife. As far as Mike and this band goes it's his pop band and they were very successful with quite a few hits. If your looking for something more proggy you might want to check out his solo album "Small Creeps Day" it has some pretty good stuff on it. Lastly there are few songs that get me emotional this is definitely one of them and the other is Peter Gabriels duet with Kate Bush on "Don't Give Up" and for that one IT IS A MUST to watch the video FIRST. Its the simplest most beautiful love song that never uses the word love, and talk about simplicity! This song and video exemplify simplicity but it is one of the most powerful, emotional and absolutely beautiful in only the way PG & KB would do, it so perfectly fit them, the video is a must and perhaps watch it here. Keep up the great work. PS: Paul Carrak is a very well know vocalist and has been around forever. He's best know for a song he sang with the band Ace in 1975 called "How Long" (has this been going on). You might have heard it at some point in your life and not known, it's a very catchy pop song and Pauls voice is instantly recognizable
I saw the Mechanics at the Royal Albert Hall in 2019. They have a different line-up now: Andrew Roachford (who had his own hits as just 'Roachford') and Tim Howar are now the vocalists, but Mike is still there on guitar of course. He's such an unassuming character, hardly said a word despite being such a superstar. It was a terrific concert and I hope they come back soon, because I'll pay for a better seat (some of the sightlines at the RAH aren't so good*).
I think it was Tim who sang lead on The Living Years - no one can match Paul Carrack but he did the song proud. They have lots of good songs - Over My Shoulder, Silent Running, Beggar On A Beach of Gold, Another Cup of Coffee. They had a new album out in 2017, with the new line-up, called Let Me Fly, and the title track is pretty good. Must listen to that album again as Let Me Fly is the only one I remember.
I always forget your channel, even though I like you and your thoughtful comments. So to correct my own past error, I'm going to subscribe now.
*Meaning I caught occasional glimpses of Mike Rutherford's head.
In the video, the children sing after the first chorus, then when the second chorus comes in, it is joined by a choir of parents (looked like older moms and dads). super powerful. But yes, don't leave things unresolved.
The most surprising thing about the song is that the lyrics were by B.A. Robertson known in the U.K. for a quasi comical approach to song writing. "Bang Bang" "I Knocked It Off" etc. I think he has done his own version of this song as well now.
Damn! I alway thought it was Carrack.
Never knew that, now off to listen to Bang Bang . . .
@@markharris1125 He also wrote Wired For Sound for Cliff Richard which ain't a bad pop tune.
The Living Years resonates with so many people. The lyrics are so deep and powerful. Cheers! ✌️
This track could do with a reimagining that eschews its dated production, but no one can deny the emotional weight of the lyrics, especially as sung by Paul Carrack. Yeah, it’s a little schmaltzy, but Paul sells it so hard.
Wow JP can clearly see this one got to you and they are sledgehammer lyrics if you've ever had a difficult relationship with a parent. Mike had this situation and was gigging in US when his dad was buried. Lots of issues and lots of regret subsequently
Afternoon, Justin. Dave from London. Wonderful reactions like this is One Good Reason to tune into your channel. Oh man, I am fighting back the tears here. Both my parents passed away within a few months of each other in 2013/14, but it was my Dad that I had regrets about, not properly opening up to him. I for one would love to see a video of you going through your Dad's jazz records with him.
Two of the most recent gigs I went were Mike and the Mechanics (with new vocalists including Andrew Roachford) and Paul Carrack who sings on this track. In my view Paul has one of the most underrated soul voices, and my song ref above is from one of his early albums.
Very nice reaction video (as usual). And very open and human, as you admit to being blindsided by it. (Though I've come to wonder what kind of musical bubble you grew up in, if you've really somehow never heard some of these very popular, and still played, on various Muzak/Sirius/local radio channels to this day, songs.) (Though, I have to admit that I'm surprised that the "official video" is at only 12 million views... But still, this is not some obscure track, and has certainly been broadcast well into this century.)
On another note, if you're curious to hear Rutherford sing lead, he did so on all of 1982's Acting Very Strange. Tracks which come to mind off the top of my head (sadly, I haven't listened to it in years, as my son managed to wreck the tape) include Maxine, Couldn't Get Arrested, Hideaway (the album closer), and the title track - which I believe is also the album opener, and possibly a good place to start/sample (even if I may personally ultimately prefer a few of the other tracks a bit).
Paul Carrack is a fantastic vocalist. This is one of the best songs I've ever heard.
I'm in agreement with others. This is one song where the official video elevates it even more. Do take the time to watch it when you can.
If you want to check out a more Progressive side of Mike, check out his first solo album, _Smallcreep's Day_ and the 20+ min. title track. It has a lot of the same feel as _Duke_ and especially "Behind The Lines", at least for me. I used to have it on vinyl but I think I sold it when CDs started to replace vinyl as the main format for music. Great review. "Living Years" is definitely an emotional song and I believe it was a huge hit for Mike.
It's totally emotionally manipulative but I still love it - I cry every time